Fred was born to Ruth Smith (Ortolf) and Joe Smith on October 26, 1954 in Olathe, KS. He was a lifetime Olathean, living in three houses on the same street his whole life! Fred went to St. Paul’s until 8th grade, and then graduated from Olathe High School in 1972. He then met his “match” (if you know, you know) Cheryl Stewart, in 1974. They went on have three beautiful and smart children together.
Fred worked in the lumber industry for his whole life, but most of his life worked at Schutte Lumber on SW Blvd with his brother Larry. Fred retired in February of 2019 and had big plans of chilling and listening to music, playing his new 12-string guitar, playing golf, hanging with his Linn Valley Family, and traveling. He wouldn’t trade anything for the time that he was able to be Grandpa Freddie to his 2 grandchildren that he loved dearly! He would give anything to stay around just for them.
Lastly, the friendship, comedy, and shenanigans that he shared with his 5 siblings Mike, Patti, Teresa, Larry and Liz, will forever be cherished and will live on through generations (we are coming for you Jerry!).
*Fred was born in the USA, a simple kind of man. He’d be working for the weekend, with Friday on his mind. He requests that you only shed 96 Tears. He wasn’t born on the bayou but he wished he was on one watching the tequila sunrise. Fred believed all you needed was love and to get by with a little help from your friends. Sometimes he would stay out all night and sleep all day, until he met his flower girl that would make him happy (happy. happy.)
Fred would say Incense and peppermints are meaningless nouns, but also he would say if you ever find yourself waiting for the break of day, or searching for something to say, you can donate to your local music program for kids who can’t afford music lessons!
Do you think he is in a white room with black curtains? No. He greeted his dad, “Hey, Joe!”, and now they’re just sittin on the dock of the bay, watching the tide roll away, with his gently weeping guitar.
Nobody but Fred could name a song like he could. If you can name the most songs referenced here, we will buy you a beer!*
Fred was preceded in death by parents Ruth and Joe Smith, parents-in-law Ken and Edna Stewart, and brother in law Mike Correll. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Stewart) Smith; children Brian Smith, Jennifer Coyle (Evan), AJ Smith (Heather), grandchildren Benny, Cam and Baby Bean Smith; siblings Mike Smith (Linda Richlinski), Patti Newson (Lee), Teresa Correll, Larry Smith (Nancy), Liz Martens (Dave); and loving in-laws, a plethora of cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of longtime friends.
Visitation will be Friday October 29, 2021 from 3p.m.- 4:30pm. Service from 4:30p.m.-5p.m. at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street.
A Celebration of Life will be held after the service at the American Legion Post #153 410 East Dennis Ave. Olathe, Kansas. Starting at 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. food will be provided (costumes optional).
*Dad requests that you please wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.*
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Head For the Cure (https://headforthecure.org) or donate to your local music program to allow someone to start lessons of their choosing (Dad would so appreciate this!)
Condolences may be offered at: www.McGilley-Frye.com
